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Border Terrier Grooming Profile

Weekly brushing and hand-stripping keep their wiry coat healthy. They stop growing by 12 months, but fill out until age two.
COAT TYPE

Wire/Rough

SHEDDING

Low

GROOMING SKILL

Moderate

TRAINING FAQ

Are Border Terriers hypoallergenic?
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Worst Choice

Border Terriers are not considered a hypoallergenic breed. While their wiry coat sheds less than some breeds, they still produce dander and saliva that can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

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Minimal

Border Terriers are low-to-moderate shedders with a dense, wiry double coat. They lose minimal hair, making them ideal for owners who prefer a cleaner home. Weekly brushing and hand-stripping twice a year are necessary to remove dead hair and maintain their weather-resistant coat texture.

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45 mins/week

To maintain a Border Terrier's wiry, weather-resistant coat, brush 2-3 times a week to better manage the double coat and remove dead hair, and hand-strip twice a year. Avoid clipping, as it softens the texture and fades color. Bathe sparingly to preserve natural oils. Regularly check their ears and trim nails every few weeks for optimal comfort and health. Recommend brushing 2-3 times a week.

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Easy

Border Terriers are generally low-maintenance dogs, making them ideal for active first-time owners. Their grooming needs are minimal, requiring only weekly brushing and occasional hand-stripping. However, they demand significant mental stimulation and daily exercise to prevent boredom-based behaviors like digging or barking, given their high-energy working heritage.

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Small

Border Terriers are small but sturdy dogs. Adult males typically weigh between 13 and 15.5 pounds, while females usually range from 11.5 to 14 pounds. While breed standards lean toward these smaller sizes, some individuals can be taller and heavier, occasionally reaching up to 20 pounds while remaining healthy.

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10-12 months

Border Terriers typically reach their full adult height between 10 and 12 months of age. While their upward growth slows, they continue to fill out and gain muscle mass until they are about two years old.

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1/2-1 cup

Adult Border Terriers typically require one to two meals daily, totaling about 100g to 200g of high-quality dry food depending on their weight and activity level. As they are prone to obesity, precise portion control and monitoring their body condition are essential for maintaining health.

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3-4 meals/day

Border Terrier puppies require frequent, nutrient-dense meals to support their active growth. Generally, feed them four small meals daily until four months old, then transition to three meals until six months. By six to twelve months of age, they can move to two meals per day to maintain a healthy adult weight. Puppies should transition from four meals to three meals at four months, and then to two meals by six to twelve months of age.

VET INSIGHTS

Border Terriers are small, sturdy dogs that reach full height by 12 months but fill out until age two. Their wiry, low-shedding coats require weekly brushing and biannual hand-stripping. Although considered low-maintenance, they demand significant mental stimulation and exercise. Managing their intake of 1/2-1 cup of food is vital for maintaining a healthy weight.


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Reviewed by
Dr. Vojtech Gabriel
DVM · PhD · MBA
Veterinarian Researcher Dog breed specialist
Verified

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